Tax increase set for Jan.1

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The county commission passed an ordinance Monday that will implement a one-cent sales tax effective Jan. 1.
The move was just a formality. The commission passed a resolution last month approving the sales tax implementation.
All of the proceeds will be used to help the local school systems. The county schools will receive 58 percent of the monies collected, while 42 percent will go to the Russellville city schools system.
Officials believe the one-cent sales could generate $2 million annually.
The county school system asked the commission to pass the tax increase early last month. The system is strapped for money and has exhausted their credit limit with a local bank. Without the tax, the system would be unable to make payroll this spring.
The commission voted to pass the increase, which will take effect Jan. 1. The item will be placed on a June referendum that will allow county voters to decide if it should be left on permanently or if it should be removed.
That election is slated for June 1. If voters decide to remove the tax, then it would remain in effect for 30-45 days after the election, as required by law.
In other business, the commission: